Forty-eight people have died in Ondo State following the reported consumption of locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions, with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), confirming 182 cases of severe illness.
The agency said the outbreak has largely affected communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, including New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga, while cases have also been recorded in Irele.
Of the 182 cases recorded as of September 17, NAFDAC said 90 people were hospitalised and later discharged, 31 were treated as outpatients and six remain in hospital.
Five victims reportedly suffered total blindness, while two others developed partial blindness.
Preliminary laboratory analysis of 15 samples found that 11 tested positive for cannabis indica, while gas chromatography detected high concentrations of methanol, a substance known to cause blindness, organ failure and death.
NAFDAC said further tests are being conducted to establish the exact concentration of methanol and identify other potentially harmful substances.
The agency has arrested 15 suspects allegedly linked to the production, sale and distribution of the implicated drinks, as investigations and surveillance continue.
NAFDAC has urged the public to avoid unlicensed, unregistered and locally prepared alcoholic or herbal concoctions of unknown composition.
